A United Methodist Pastor's Theological Reflections

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (nikos) through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:57


Thursday, April 28, 2011

Bible Study Summary - Sunday's Upcoming Scriptures


Here at Lancaster First UMC, I am privileged to be part of two weekly bible study groups that study the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday worship services.

May 1st Sermon – “Happy Birthday, King James Version!”
 
 
Psalm 23
-          God’s care is sufficient for our every need.
-          God provides rest, guidance, protection.
-          Instead of enemies pursuing the psalmist, he/she is being pursued by goodness and mercy!
 
 
II Timothy 3:14-17
-          Verse 16 – A better translation is “breathed” and not “inspiried.”
-          1) Teaching 2) Rebuke – When we stray from God’s will. 3) Improve 4) Train – Helping us to be fully human.
 
 
Luke 24:13-27
-          Emmaus road story
-          Take a poll – which of Luke’s story is your favorite?  The prodigal son story or the Emmaus story?  Both are great!
-          The couple on road may have been husband/wife.  This is a good story for couples as they think about their faith.
-          Cleopas probably wondered if the stranger was a spy.  It took courage for him to share the details of their relationship with Jesus of Nazareth.
-          They were devastated because they had hoped Jesus would lead Israel to freedom from the Romans.
-          This is another example of how the scriptures show that the disciples recognized and didn’t recognize Jesus in his resurrected body.
-          This passage helps us to see the connection between Holy Communion and the reading of scripture.  We need both.
-          When has your heart burned within you when you realized the presence of the risen Christ?
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